Holmes Student Center Renovation

The university is gearing up for a $20 million renovation to the Holmes Student Center (HSC).

Highlights of the renovation, which will focus on the expansive ground floor of the HSC, include:

A new glass entryway with an exterior tiered plaza opening from the ground floor to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commons

Open and inviting lounge space featuring more natural lighting

New and exciting dining options

A relocated and revitalized bookstore-retail outlet

Relocation of NIU's Campus Activities Board, Student Association and Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development to the HSC

Expanded entertainment and event space connecting the ground floor to the Huskie Den

Construction is targeted to begin in the summer or fall of 2018 (pending NIU Board of Trustees approvals) and to be completed by the fall of 2019.

The renovation design is still in progress, and is benefitting from the input of hundreds of students, faculty and staff who have been involved in developing concepts and priorities. Representatives from the Student Association and the Campus Activities Board will continue to provide vital input.

How is NIU paying for the renovation?

Funding is entirely supported by Build America Bonds that are earmarked specifically for construction projects. No tuition or fees are involved with the renovation initiative. In fact, enhanced retail and dining operations will reduce the HSC's reliance on student fees.

Why renovate the Holmes Student Center?

Beginning in 2014, Northern Illinois University embarked on a master planning initiative with the goal of activating and revitalizing the core of campus.

As a central gathering place for our NIU community, the HSC draws 4,000 visitors daily and hosts more than 6,200 events each year, including 2,100 events sponsored by student organizations. The building has served the campus community well but is in need of work to bring it in line with modern standards and expectations. The upcoming renovation will be the facilities first major upgrade since it was originally built in the 1960s.

Reinvigorating student life in the HSC will lead to more positive and memorable university learning experiences, thus making the facility more attractive for current and future generations of Huskies and NIU community members.